Flow modifier for thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic resin composition containing the same

Abstract

A flow modifier for a thermoplastic resin, which is a hydroxyphenyl-containing organophosphorus compound represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , and R 4 each represents a hydroxyl group, ##STR2## a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; a, b, c, and d each represents an integer of from 1 to 3; n represents 0 or an integer of from 1 to 3; when n is 0 or 1, the compound contains one hydroxyl group or ##STR3## group per molecule; and when n is 2 or 3, the compound contains one or two, in total, of hydroxyl group and ##STR4## group per molecule and thermoplastic resin composition containing the flow modifier is disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A flow modifier for a thermoplastic resin comprising a hydroxyphenyl-containing organophosphorus compound represented by formula (I): ##STR16## wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , and R 4  each represents a hydroxyl group, ##STR17## a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; a, b, c, and d each represents an integer of from 1 to 3; n represents 0 or an integer of from 1 to 3; when n is 0 or 1, the compound contains one hydroxyl group or ##STR18## group per molecule; and when n is 2 or 3, the compound contains one or two, in total, of hydroxyl group and ##STR19## group per molecule. 
     
     
       2. A flow modifier as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hydroxyphenyl-containing organophosphorus compound is a compound represented by formula (III): ##STR20## wherein the hydroxyl group is at the meta- or para-position. 
     
     
       3. A thermoplastic resin composition containing (i) a thermoplastic resin and (ii) a flow modifier comprising a hydroxyphenyl-containing organophosphorus compound represented by formula (I): ##STR21## wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , and R 4  each represents a hydroxyl group, ##STR22## a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; a, b, c, and d each represents an integer of from 1 to 3; n represents 0 or an integer of from 1 to 3; when n is 0 or 1, the compound contains one hydroxyl group or ##STR23## group per molecule; and when n is 2 or 3, the compound contains one or two, in total, of hydroxyl group and ##STR24## group molecule. 
     
     
       4. A thermoplastic resin composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein said thermoplastic resin is a styrene resin, polyphenylene ether, or polycarbonate. 
     
     
       5. A thermoplastic resin composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein said thermoplastic resin is a polymer blend of a polystyrene resin and polyphenylene ether. 
     
     
       6. A thermoplastic resin composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein said flow modifier is present in an amount of from 5 to 50 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the thermoplastic resin. 
     
     
       7. A thermoplastic resin composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein said composition further contains a flame-retardant selected from the group consisting of red phosphorus and a triazine skeleton-containing compound. 
     
     
       8. A thermoplastic resin composition as claimed in claim 7, wherein said thermoplastic resin is a styrene resin, polyphenylene ether, or polycarbonate. 
     
     
       9. A thermoplastic resin as claimed in claim 7, wherein said thermoplastic resin is a polymer blend of a polystyrene resin and polyphenylene ether. 
     
     
       10. A thermoplastic resin composition as claimed in claim 7, wherein said flow modifier is present in an amount of from 5 to 50 parts by weight and said flame-retardant is present in an amount of not more than 30 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the thermoplastic resin.